Filipino gets leading role in the New Zealand int’l film fest
Jonathan “Jojo” Asi was chosen to play as the leading actor in a short film entitled “Two Princes” produced by UNITEC through the direction of Yami Tun.
Jojo got the role when he joined and auditioned in through one of NZs’ talent agencies. The prospect of getting the role was vague for him because he was not expecting this to transpire, given that he was not a professional actor in the Philippines.
But apparently, things were meant for good as he acquired the leading character. Jojo considers this as one of his personal achievements in life. Aside from this freelancing work, Jojo plays a huge role in the Filipino Community being one of the founding trustees of FilNZ Fellowship Trust located in the North Shore. As a professional, Jojo works at Hills Electronics Security as an IT Support Technician.
“Two Princes” is about a migrant family in New Zealand who brawls in life to bond with his children after the death of his wife and mother. The man faces difficult issues on his journey to provide encouragement to his two kids. Given such accolade, the film was chosen as one of the finalists for the New Zealand International 2012 Film Festival (NZIFF) which will be shown in Auckland this July 29, August 2, August 4 and then in Wellington on August 11-12,2012. NZIFF is regarded as the next best place after Cannes (France film festival) to capture the winners from the world’s notable festival. The festival will open this July featuring 150 films encompassing the filmic criteria of audiences and film enthusiasts all over New Zealand (by Maricar Siayngco).
Excerpts from the article by Darren Bevan, published in TNVZ News on June 25: “Cannes winner, Amour will be here – and the opening night film will be Beasts of the Southern Wild, about a six year old’s search for her mother. Kylie Minogue’s latest cinema outing, Holy Motors will be the festival’s closing night film in Auckland. Kristen Stewart’s latest, On The Road will be here, fresh from Cannes’ success; The Sapphires – Chris “Bridesmaids” O’Dowd’s latest and about a group of Aboriginal singers who entertain the troops and Bernie – Jack Black’s latest with Richard Linklater. Plus NZ audiences will be able to see the much acclaimed Bob Marley doco, Marley”.
Two Princes will screen in cinemas in Auckland and Wellington ahead of the documentary In My Mother’s Arms. People wishing to see Two Princes need to purchase tickets for In My Mother’s Arms (links below).
Auckland – https://www.nzff.co.nz/auckland/film/in-my-mother-s-arms
Wellington – https://www.nzff.co.nz/wellington/film/in-my-mother-s-arms.
Read about Two Princes on the NZIFF website.
https://nzff.co.nz/auckland/film/02abc55f-c391-4273-a155-1fc3dd0f87b7
Screening times:
AUCKLAND
Sunday 29 July, 3.00pm Auckland Art Gallery
Thursday 2 August, 4.00pm Rialto Newmarket – main screening with intro (and cheaper tickets)
Saturday 4 August, 6.00pm Auckland Art Gallery
WELLINGTON
Saturday 11 August, 4.15pm Film Archive – main screening with intro
Sunday 12 August, 4.30pm Film Archive
Other links
